Hong Kong was what we expected it to be, a thriving metropolis with high rises everywhere and a major shopping mecca in Asia. Behind the façade of all the modern buildings within Hong Kong are the numerous and what appear to be, from the exterior at least, antiquated apartment buildings which look quite old and shabby and really in need of a good paint job. This is where the main population of the workers in Hong Kong reside. Looking up the hills that seem to encompass Hong Kong appear to be the more modern type of apartment blocks that the more affluent of society might be housed.
The city is way too big to explore within an hour. We didn’t take a guided tour on this one but elected to do our own thing. The shopping scene seems well laid out and decadent but in saying that the prices seemed very comparable to those in Australia so I don’t see the attraction of shopping in Hong Kong, though possibly there are some articles of consumer items that may be better priced.
The stand out of Hong Kong was the city by night. The lights along the harbour showed why Hong Kong is often portrayed as a city by night on media. What did amaze me here was just how sudden the weather can change, something that I have not experienced in Australia. Back home we usually have some idea when it is going to rain and can usually get the washing in before it gets totally drenched. As we were departing Hong Kong enroute to Shanghai there was to be a laser show on the shore at 8pm. I went up stairs onto the open deck and up two flights of stairs to get a good vantage point to film the show.
The Diamond Princess was moving into a good position to give passengers a good vantage point. We passed a miriade of smaller boats in the harbour also out to watch the show. At around 7.50pm I saw what appeared to be fog moving across the sky completely enveloping the small boats. I have never seen fog move so quickly though it probably wasn’t fog but rather rain because the next second there was a few spits of rain and then a torrential downpour. Up on the top deck, where most passengers were there was nowhere to seek shelter without traversing down two flights of stairs near the pool which were totally exposed to the elements. Most passengers, myself included were thoroughly drenched. So it was back to the cabin, dry clothes and a couple of bundies to warm up.
We won’t have any problem revisiting Hong Kong and having a few days stopover here to explore the city a little more. I’d particularly like to see the areas on the hills above the city which also have high rise as I’m sure there’s more to discover here.
Hi Ruth and Paul Glad you’re having a great cruise trip. You write it up so well, Ruth, that I am enjoying the trip with you. Do go up on the peak tram when you get back to HK. It is both breathtaking and horribly commercial up there, but the views and the history panorama are excellent. Look forward to reading more….
Regards, Meg
Hi Meg, I am having a blog catch up day – sorry its taken me so long – no internet while in Japan!!!! Glad you are enjoying our blog. There will be more soon. We will come back to Hoing Kong and Japan – there is so much more to see and do. Hope you are well. Ruth
Hi Ruth and Paul, I’m loving your comments and vivid descriptions of people and places. It really brings your stories to life and easy to visualise. I agree with what you have said about HK but hope you have the opportunity to really explore further next time. I would suggest you take the tram up to the Peak and get an amazing view of the city. Also take a bus to Stanley Markets from the Central train station , sit upstairs in the front seat and enjoy the thrills going around some of the steep hills. There are some lovely seafood restaurants plus others along the waterfront there.
When you get off the tram from the Peak, walk across the road parallel to the station and walk until you see a green space…it is a beautiful park with lovely water features. Keep walking right through until you come to a shopping precinct. This is called Pacific…something and has some great shops etc.
if you haven’t already found the escalator in Central then look for it and take it up to the top which is Caine Rd. keep getting off to explore the quirky little streets and shops but more importantly the bars. I have a friend who lives in Caine Rd and I’m sure he has taken me to most of the drinking spots along the escalator. It has such a vibe along there.
There is a fantastic new hotel in HK ……I can’t remember it’s name but just ask for the tallest building in HK. Make this a must go to and go up to the bar for a drink. It is amazing and will give you a great view for the light show at night.
So much to do…..just enjoy.!!!
Hi Jan,
thnaks for the Hong Kong Info – we will be back here for a longer stay in the future so will check out the sites you have suggested. This cruise is a taster with a day at each port. That’s why we did 6 days in Bangkok before we started so we could see much more. We also want to see more of Japan – we loved these ports.